title: In vivo augmentation of local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction by cimetidine and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin.
abstract: Histamine-2 receptor blocker therapy (cimetidine) was combined with nonspecific Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) immunomoderation in order to obtain a more directed immunostimulatory response. To establish this the local xenogeneic graft-versus-host reaction (XGVHR) was used as objective in vivo parameter. In this placebo-controlled experiment the lymphocytes of inbred Sprague-Dawley rats were transferred intradermally to partially immunosuppressed guinea pigs after treatment with either or both of the test substances. The surface areas of the local XGVHRs were evaluated 48 and 72 h later. The local XGVHRs caused by lymphocytes obtained from rats treated with either cimetidine or BCG alone did not differ significantly from those caused by lymphocytes obtained from placebo-treated rats. Combination therapy, however, resulted in significant augmentation of the local XGVHR, clearly indicating a synergistic effect between cimetidine and BCG. The XGVHR appears to be a satisfactory model for evaluating drug effect on cell-mediated immune reaction in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Snyman
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Sommers
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002927:Cimetidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006087:Graft vs Host Reaction / Q000187:drug effects*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects; D017710:Lymphocyte Transfusion; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D009163:Mycobacterium bovis / Q000276:immunology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
chemical_list: D002927:Cimetidine